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Dear John

Pasadena City Councilman John J. Kennedy

On that summer’s day I had no idea it would be the last time I’d gaze upon your radiant face

You stood at the podium A statesman, stalwart and strong

The day, sunny and bright airbrushed your brow with amber and gold

A touch of starlight

Your eyes smiled upon us as lovingly as a father smiles upon his children

If I’d known that day would be our final farewell, perhaps I would’ve said to you something more heartfelt, more profound

Or perhaps, I would’ve hung around longer to linger in your glow

Now I recall all you did to help our community to prosper and grow You led us on a sojourn to Senegal Through the Door of No Return

You brought Senegal to us To dwell within our hearts

You taught us to reach beyond barriers That blocked pathways to higher ground

Now tears fall from my eyes

But I’ll always be inspired by your wisdom and wit, your courage and faith

We’ll miss you, John Sail on, my brother Sail on.

– Hazel Clayton Harrison, Author